100,000-plus people in former Avon have never used a computer

More than 100,000 people in the former Avon have never used the internet, according to figures released today.

The statistics have been reported as volunteers in the South West are urged to join one of the biggest digital inclusion campaigns of the year to help local people get online.

In all, more than half a million adults in the region have never used the internet, with organisers claiming that households save on average £560 a year by being online.

Now training organisation Digital Unite wants individuals, organisations and businesses to volunteer to organise free digital taster events in their communities as part of its annual Spring Online campaign in association with Carphone Warehouse. This year Spring Online Week takes place from March 31 to April 4.

Some 67,000 in North Somerset, B&NES and South Gloucestershire aged 16 or more have never used the internet, according to Office for National Statistics figures, with another 41,000 in Bristol.

Last year around 20,000 people were given their first taste of computers, the internet and other digital technology as part of the award-winning campaign. Libraries, schools, businesses, housing schemes, pubs and internet cafes - and even a cinema, street market and candle factory – ran their own events, showing learners how to use technology by taking photographs, making cakes, tracing their family tree, shopping online, booking flights, and applying for jobs.

Dick Stroud of Digital Unite said: “Spring Online is a great way to get involved with your local community. Through the 13 years of this campaign, we’ve seen the powerful effects of bringing people together to share an interest and explore modern technology. However you do it, whether it’s with a couple of tablets in your front room or by taking over your local community centre, being part of Spring Online can make a massive difference to everyone involved.”

More information is available at www.digitalunite.com/spring-online, by calling 0800 228 9272 or emailing springonline@digitalunite.com.